Applying for a Concealed Firearm Permit in Los Angeles...

After getting some misdirection with my first encounter with the LASD while trying to get an officer to "witness" sections 6, 7, and 8 of my application, I thought it would be worthwhile to chronicle my experience thus far.

So here goes...

December 5, 2015
Downloaded and completed application from the LASD website.

December 17, 2015
I went to LASD Lost Hills Patrol Station and advised the volunteer(?) at the front desk that I was completing an application for a Concealed Firearm Permit and needed an officer to witness me completing sections 6, 7, and 8 so it can be submitted. He went into the back and got an officer who said "no, they don't do that here, and you'll have to go down to the LASD Headquarters in DTLA (211 West Temple Street)". He gave me a 8.5x11 piece of paper that appeared to have a section of the application photocopied and blown up that stated:

Application for CCW License

Upon reviewing the attached policy and meting all the requirements, please complete the Standard Application form in its Entirety. Send completed application to Sherriff's Attention: CCW cOORDINATOR. A non-refundable fee of $10.00 Check or Money Order (payable to the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department) must accompany your application. Incomplete applications will not be processed. Those who successfully pass the initial screening will be charged a required follow-up processing fee.

December 28, 2015I went to the Downtown LA Hall of Justice (211 West Temple Street Los Angeles, CA 90012). There are entrances on Broadway, Temple, and Spring (which is the main entrance, and you'll just be sent there if you try the other two, so you might as well go straight there). I initially tried to enter from Broadway, and after a few minutes of conversation, and showing the officer at the door the application, I was directed to the Spring street entrance, and told to come up to the 2nd floor desk which is really the elevator level (visible from the door, and up a slight of stairs). One of the two officers at the desk was the officer that I spoke with at the Broadway door, and she spoke with the other officer (Leyva) who seem to have experience with the CCW process and instructed me to complete the sections requiring mine and an officer witness signature, and they'll take it up to the CCW Coordinator (Jocelyn Perez). Apparently, she reviews all of the applications for Los Angeles, and she'll call you regarding your application with questions and further instructions once it has been turned in. I did what they told me, and they refused to sign the application in front of me. They said leave the application with them, and when they take it upstairs to Jocelyn they'll sign it. I mentioned that I was hoping to get a copy of the completed signed application for my records. They said you could copy it as is with my execution and then come back. I opted to just turn in the application and forego the copy for my records. I just by chance had everything in an envelope, so I recommend that anyone attempting to apply come here with your application in an envelope ready to go.

January 22, 2016
I received a reply from LASD - CCW Coordinator. Inside was a cover letter stapled to a receipt for my $10, and a xerox copy of my application with Section 7 (the section the application says not to complete unless an officer instructs you to do so) highlighted in yellow as I assume to be "missing".

The cover letter stated:

Dear Mr. Cheung:

We have recieved your application for a concealed weapon license. Unfortunately, we are unable to process your application due to the following reason:

The application you submitted is incomplete. Please complete the enclosed application in its entirety and return it to Hall of Justice, Undersheriff's office, 211 West Temple Street 8th Floor, Los Angeles, California 90012; Attention CCW Coordinator.

If you have any questions, please contact the C.C.W. Coordinator of my staff at (213) 229-3075.

Sincerely,

Jim McDonnell, Sheriff

So I guess I'll be completing the section that I was originally instructed not to complete, and will be heading back to DTLA.